OMB begins review of OSHA’s final rule on electronic recordkeeping

Washington – An OSHA final rule that would require electronic recordkeeping and reporting is under review by the White House’s Office of Management and Budget.

OMB received the Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses rule on Oct. 5. Reviews are limited to 90 days but often are extended. OSHA issued a proposed rule in November 2013.

The final rule would require employers with 250 or more workers to electronically submit injury and illness records to OSHA every three months. Some smaller employers would have to electronically submit their annual summary form (OSHA Form 300A). This data would then be made available to the public.

OSHA contends that the rule will provide the agency with more accurate and timelier injury data. However, some stakeholders have expressed concerns about privacy issues and other unintentional negative consequences of the data being made public.